Pope to bishops: don't pursue self-interest
September 14, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI presided at the consecration of five new bishops in a Vatican ceremony on September 12. In his homily the Holy Father remarked that the Church-- like society at large-- suffers from "the fact that many of those charged with responsibility work for themselves and not for the community." In the Church, he said, it is vitally important for leaders to realize that they work for Jesus Christ, and "the Church is not our Church but His Church: the Church of God." Bishops, he said, must constantly remind themselves: "We do not seek power, prestige, or esteem for ourselves."
The duty of the bishop is to promote and defend the faith, the Pontiff continued. He listed three characteristics of a good bishop: faithfulness, prudence, and goodness.
All five of the bishops consecrated by Pope Benedict were Vatican officials who are assuming new responsibilities: three as papal nuncios, one as head of the Frascati diocese outside Rome, and one as president of the Vatican Labor office.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Pope to New Bishops: Faithfulness, Prudence, Goodness (VIS)
- Pope Cautions Against "Self-Interest", Encourages "Service" of Bishops (Vatican Radio)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
